This Robot Offers Flexible Navigation Of Treacherous Terrain
Rahul Kalvapalle — June 7, 2023 — Tech
References: resou.osaka-u.ac.jp & cacm.acm.org
A group of innovative researchers and engineers working out of Osaka University in Japan have developed a high-tech centipede robot that makes full use of its multi-legged design in order to proactively and reliably execute a wide variety of movements without compromising on stability, balance and control.
This centipede robot, which weighs in at only 20 pounds and measures around 135 cm in length, comprises as many as six different pieces that make use of legs that leverage flexible joints.
Shinya Aoi, one of the researchers leading the project, stated that the team was "inspired by the ability of certain extremely agile insects that allows them to control the dynamic instability in their own motion to induce quick movement changes."
Ultimately, the flexibility and maneuverability of this centipede robot could make it offer a lot of utility in contexts ranging from search and rescue to exploration.
This centipede robot, which weighs in at only 20 pounds and measures around 135 cm in length, comprises as many as six different pieces that make use of legs that leverage flexible joints.
Shinya Aoi, one of the researchers leading the project, stated that the team was "inspired by the ability of certain extremely agile insects that allows them to control the dynamic instability in their own motion to induce quick movement changes."
Ultimately, the flexibility and maneuverability of this centipede robot could make it offer a lot of utility in contexts ranging from search and rescue to exploration.
Trend Themes
1. Agile Robotics - Maneuverable robots with multi-legged designs that can navigate difficult terrain are trending.
2. Flexible Joints - Trend of robots with flexible joints in their legs that allow for stability, balance and control.
3. Inspired by Nature - Trend of engineers taking inspiration from nature, such as agile insects, to design robots with enhanced capabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Search and Rescue - Flexible, multi-legged robots with agile movement abilities have disruptive innovation opportunities for search and rescue operations in difficult terrain.
2. Exploration - Maneuverable robots with multi-legged designs provide disruptive innovation opportunities for exploring difficult to navigate areas.
3. Manufacturing - Trend of robots with flexible joints and multi-legged designs can provide disruptive innovation opportunities for manufacturing in difficult to access areas.
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